A few coins for some soup?

I am on a diet. This is supposed to be good for you. In the past - as in some retreats in the world, staffed by those with the inclination - self-denial, poverty and asceticism were the keys to spiritual advancement and enlightenment. Will losing my pounds turn me into something of a guru or monk? I doubt it.

Some philosophers in the ancient world tried marrying women who would constantly pester and annoy them in search of some higher truth.

Hari Krishnas practice meditation and sweep a lot of stairs.

Buddha left his palace and walked the land, without money, like the Krishnas, needing alms to feed himself. Should we look then to beggars to improve our minds, for do they have a higher wisdom than us?

There are those who actively seek poverty and live in caves, for many reasons, but among them is world peace. Would the world be a worse place without them?

I shall certainly be continuing my diet, but I am not expecting to come into a greater understanding of life, the world and God. But if I did? That would definitely repay all the hunger and the carrots.